Low gravity solids reducing processes, systems and methods, and solids reducing processes, systems and methods for drilling fluids, using collision forces within a pressure drop chamber

ABSTRACT

A process and device to create access to low gravity solids (LGS) of about 2 to 20 microns for removal from a fluid material/LGS emulsion having the steps of: flowing the emulsion into high pressure tubing; separating the emulsion into at least two high pressure streams; forcing the emulsion through high pressure nozzles at a terminus of each of the at least two high pressure tubing streams at a speed in the range of about 10 ft/sec to 200 ft/sec or at a force in a range of about 10 to 100 PSI; and colliding the streams of emulsion exiting the high pressure nozzle within a pressure drop chamber, wherein the pressure drop is in a range of about 5% to 50% of the back pressure of the nozzles; wherein a cavitation effect is realized from a collision force of the high pressure streams within the pressure drop chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present International Application claims priority of U.S.provisional application No. 62/569,227 filed Oct. 6, 2017, and U.S.provisional application No. 62/723,670 filed Aug. 28, 2018, the entirecontents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a processes,methods and systems for treating drilling fluids to lower the total LGS(Low Gravity Solids) by up to 50 percent more than known in the art, andparticularly processes, methods and systems accesses low gravity solidsusing shock hydrodynamics using responsive emulsion (SHURE).

BACKGROUND

Oil based drilling fluids are primarily utilized in directional andhorizontal drilling operations because of the increase in lubricity inthe borehole. The detached drill cuttings are entrained in the drillingfluid and are then circulated to the surface through the annulus. Thereturning drilling fluid, entrained with drill cuttings, rises as astatic column in the annulus. As the drilling fluid slurry rises in theannulus, it is exposed to downhole temperature, hydrostatic pressure(compaction), newly displaced drill cuttings and drill solids suspendedin the drilling fluid.

The chemical interaction between the drill solids and prolonged staticcondition can or will cause the drilling fluid to thicken with anincrease in viscosity and gel strength, as in a thixotropic state.Therefore the drilling fluid, affected by temperature, solids adsorptionand compaction, will not return in a completely fluid state as itentered the borehole because of an increase in elasticity, due to thelack of agitation as the slurry enters the Flowline.

In many cases, the gelatinous properties will have a higher resistanceto flow when the drilling fluid, with the entrained drill solids, comesin contact with the vibrating screen surfaces of the shale shakers. Thedrilling fluid condition may cause poor screen conductance, resulting inscreen blinding and loss of expensive drilling fluid. In addition to theloss of whole drilling fluid, the more viscous drilling fluid willimpede the G-Force separation process that assist in breaking thephysical and chemical adhesive bond between the individual drill solidsand the liquid phase.

When oil based and invert emulsion drilling fluids are utilized, theimpact forces imparted on the vibrating screen surfaces, with the oilencapsulated drill solids, is not sufficient enough to physically breakthe adhesive bond between the oil and suspended solids, causing a highpercentage of oil to remain on the drill solids as they are dischargefrom the shake shakers. In the Eagle Ford, for example, theoil-on-cuttings are from 10% to 25%. All tested samples were never lessthan 10%.

Drilled cuttings returning to the surface can arrive is sizes from 0.1micron on up to 50,000 micron. Once at the surface, the Operators useshis best available and feasible technology to remove as many of thesedrilled cutting from his drilling fluid as possible, in the short timehe has with it before it is sent back down into the well.

Once at surface, the drilling fluids passes over or through a series ofmechanical solids removal devices beginning with, for example a (1)shale shaker, (2) hydro-cyclones from 4″ up to 12″, and/or (3)centrifuge. This describes a basic rigs surface solids removal process.These components are active and available all over the world and canwork effectively down to the >15-20 micron range.

However, despite these advances in the art, removal of solids in the <20or <15 micron range (known as the “Ultra-Fines”) is not easilyaccomplished due simply because of their size and thus mass. Theseultra-fine particles more often as not remain in the drilling fluids fornumerous circulations and they continue to be reduced in size with eachcirculation, thus building up the percentage amount in the fluid, whichbecome increasingly difficult to extract.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, to advance at least the aforementioned deficiencies in theart, described herein are the present disclosure generally relates toprocesses, systems and methods (“processes”) for the reduction of lowgravity solids (or ultra-fines) entrained within a drilling fluid. Inparticular, the present disclosure relates to processes to achieveaccess and thus removal of the low gravity solids down to about 4microns in diameter.

The present processes can be mechanical with the ability to adjustproportions/parameters while operating. The present processes canutilize collision forces in a collision creating device to provideenough force to separate hydrocarbons from the drilled solids.

This separation can be the first step to gaining access to the lowgravity solids trapped in the drilling fluid.

In one aspect, the present processes can be self-contained and deployedon a single skid. The present processes can slip-stream off the LP (lowpressure) system of the drilling rig. The processes can return to usenot only cleaner fluid but can also any barite or high gravity solidsthat were extracted during the process.

In one approach, a process to create access to low gravity solids (LGS)in the range of about 2 to 20 microns for mechanical removal from afluid material and LGS emulsion is provided having the steps of: flowingthe emulsion into high pressure tubing; separating the emulsion into atleast two high pressure streams; forcing the emulsion through highpressure nozzles at a terminus of each of the at least two high pressuretubing streams at a speed in the range of about 10 ft/sec to 200 ft/secor at a force in a range of about 10 to 100 PSI; and colliding thestreams of emulsion exiting the high pressure nozzle within a pressuredrop chamber, wherein the pressure drop is in a range of about 5% to 50%of the back pressure of the nozzles; wherein a cavitation effect isrealized from a collision force of the high pressure streams within thepressure drop chamber having enough force to relax the emulsion whichholds the fluid and LGS together, whereby access for removal of the LGSby mechanical means is allowed.

In one approach, the emulsion can be separated into two high pressurestreams. The high pressure emulsion streams collide in the pressure dropchamber with enough force to relax the surface tension of the emulsionon the LGS. In one approach, the high pressure tubing can stream at aspeed of about 92.4 ft/sec. or at a pressure of about 40 PSI.

In one approach, the speed and pressure of the emulsion can beconfigured to relax the surface tension of the emulsion on LGS particlesdown to about 4 microns, and not lower.

In one approach, the colliding the streams of emulsion exiting the highpressure nozzle can collide at an angle in a range of 0 to up to, butnot including, 180 degrees, the emulsion stream collision angle can bein a range of about 30 to 170 degrees or in a range of about 30 to 90degrees.

In one approach, the process further comprises the step of removing theLGS from the relaxed fluid by a mechanical device selected from thegroup consisting of shale shakers, hydro-cyclones from 4″ up to 12″,centrifuges, filter presses, and combinations thereof.

In another approach, a device is provided to reduce surface tension of afluid emulsion having low gravity solids (LGS) in the range of about 2to 20 microns to allow mechanical removal of the LGS from the fluid, andcan have high pressure tubing to receive the emulsion; the high pressuretubing splitting to into at least two separate piping streams, whereinthe emulsion is separated into at least two streams; high pressurenozzles at a terminus of each of the at least two separate pipingstreams; a device to apply pressure to the emulsion streams within theat least two separate piping streams to provide an emulsion speed in therange of about 10 ft/sec to 200 ft/sec or at a force in a range of about10 to 100 PSI of the emulsion while exiting the high pressure nozzle;configuring the high pressure nozzles to collide the exiting emulsionstreams from the high pressure nozzle within a pressure drop chamberhaving a pressure drop in a range of about 5% to 50% of a back pressureof the high pressure nozzles;

-   wherein a cavitation effect is realized from a collision force of    the high pressure emulsion streams within the pressure drop chamber    having enough force to relax the emulsion which holds the fluid and    LGS together, whereby access for removal of the LGS by mechanical    means is allowed.

In one approach, the emulsion can be separated into two separate pipingstreams. The exiting emulsion streams collide in the pressure dropchamber with enough force to relax the surface tension of the emulsionon the LGS.

In one approach, the device to apply pressure to the emulsion streamswithin the at least two separate piping streams can provide an emulsionspeed of about 92.4 ft/sec or at a force of about 40 PSI of the emulsionwhile exiting the high pressure nozzle. The speed and pressure of theemulsion is configured to relax the surface tension of the emulsion onLGS particles down to about 4 microns, and not lower. The streams ofemulsion exiting the high pressure nozzle may be configured to collideat an angle in a range of 0 to up to, but not including, 180 degrees; oran angle in a range of about 30 to 170 degrees; or at an angle in arange of about 30 to 90 degrees.

In one approach, the device further comprises a device to mechanicallyremove the LGS from the relaxed fluid selected from the group consistingof shale shakers, hydro-cyclones from 4″ up to 12″, centrifuges, filterpresses, and combinations thereof.

Other features will become more apparent to persons having ordinaryskill in the art to which the assemblies pertain and from the followingdescription and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the herein features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlyexemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting ofits scope, may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary process flow diagram on location;

FIG. 2 is the exemplary process flow diagram (PFD) of FIG. 1 with addeddetail; and

FIG. 3 is the process of the present embodiment according to oneapproach in a simplified form for ease of understanding.

While the features described herein may be susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof areshown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described indetail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detaileddescription thereto are not intended to be limiting to the particularform disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are processes, methods and systems for treatingdrilling fluids to lower the total LGS (Low Gravity Solids) by up to 50percent more than known in the art, and particularly processes, methodsand systems (processes) accesses low gravity solids using shockhydrodynamics using responsive emulsion (SHURE).

Benefits of the disclosed processes include reduction of LGS in drillingfluids which equates to multiple positive impacts to any drillingoperation such as but not limited to:

-   -   a. Better mud properties    -   b. Increased rate of penetration    -   c. Less downhole tool erosion    -   d. Better consistency with returning to bottom with tubulars    -   e. Less erosion to surface equipment such as fluid end of mud        pumps and high pressure (HP) piping

The present disclosure provides new processes of accessing for removalthese low gravity solids (LGS) down towards the 4 micron range. Alsodisclosed is a new process of removing these low gravity solids down tothe +/−4 micron range. Removal of LGS less than 4 microns insize/diameter is currently in a global debate of the wellbore conditionif ‘all’ low gravity solids are removed well as it is suspected thatsome of these ultra-fines actually help (help prop up) the well.Accordingly, the present embodiments are designed to remove LGS, butonly down to down to the +/−4 micron range and not going smaller.

Current existing rig based equipment is unable to remove the smallparticle (low gravity solids) which is solved by the present embodiment.Other technologies may claim to remove a limited amount of LGS, do butthese are (a)complicated, (b)expensive, (c)process at very low flowrates or even batch-process. The present processes can slip-stream offan existing rig's low pressure system associated with its surface oractive mud tank system

Flow rates for the present embodiments can be regulated by a globe valveto +/−300 gpm.

Flow is first sent to and opposing force/collision arrangement as shownschematically in FIG. 3. Here the fluid to be processed is split intotwo streams and then re-directed at one another which creates acollision of solids and fluid. It is within this ‘collision’ creatingdevice that the solids see the forces required to spate them from thehydrocarbons attached to them.

In one approach shown in a Process Flow Diagram (PFD)(E.g., FIG. 3):

-   -   i. Ample feed supplied into the collision mixer chamber. Release        (relax) of surface tension    -   ii. Cavitation (effects of millions of imploding bubbles) allows        system access to low gravity solids which would normally be        carried over and away in any light phase.    -   iii. Immediate segregation by force of the accessed low gravity        solids.

The ‘force’ in can be hydro-cyclones, but centrifugal force from acentrifuge will also work.

The collision device is a mixing device that will assure maximumElectrical Stability. When the drilling fluid passes through theopposing Cavitation Mixing Nozzles and collapses in the mixing chamberdue to the sudden reduction in pressure, the forming vapor bubblesimplode, generating dynamic shear and fine particle dispersion.

The reason for the drilling fluid to pass first through our opposingforce/collision (CHAOS) mixer is to separate the bond with the emulsionof the fluid. This is realized by the force created by the opposingforce/collision (CHAOS) mixer design. Hydrodynamic Cavitation is theformation, growth and implosive collapse of developing vapor bubbles ina liquid, created by a fluctuation in fluid pressure. The hydrodynamicprocess generating the formation, intensity of implosion and speed ofcollapse can be controlled through feed pressure to produce thenecessary energy dissipation levels. In the application of cavitationdispersion for finely dispersed emulsions, 92.4 ft/sec. or about 40 PSIis adequate in many embodiments.

Accordingly, the slurry enters the converging section of the CavitationMixing Nozzle which increases the velocity to a predetermined speed, forexample, approximately 92.4 ft/sec., the slurry then passes through thethroat section of the nozzle, gaining full velocity. As the slurryenters the diverging section of the diffuser the high velocity issuddenly converted into pressure, causing vapor bubbles to form.

The present processes can then be enhanced when the fluid passes throughthe collision device and is immediately sent to one of two segregationdevices: (1) a hydro-cyclone or (2) a centrifuge.

It is noted that along with ‘low’ gravity solids, there may also be aneed to segregate the ‘high’ gravity solids which are sometimes presentin the form of barite, which is an intended weight build up materialfrom the low gravity solids. If this barite product is present, it toowill exit with our low gravity solids. Operators may want to retain thebarite, so optionally the processes may have mechanisms in place to keepthe barite, but discard the low gravity solids. These mechanisms includebut are not limited to specific screen mesh above another finer mesh oreven a blank on a qualifying shaker

The present process can be run at the surface upstream of a mechanicalseparator device such as (1) hydro-cyclones, (2) decanter centrifuge,and/or (3) filter press using diatomaceous earth and/or (4) a dewateringunit using flocculation. Drilling fluid is received from the drillingrig only after it has been cleaned by the rigs conventional rig solidsremoval equipment. This semi-cleaned drilling fluid then is processedthrough the present processes, which have the ability to relax theemulsion of an oil based mud and allow the downstream mechanical deviceto access finer/smaller solids particles that prior art processes haveheretofore not been able to access before.

Accordingly, in one approach, the present processes can include twoactions/forces within its design:

FIRST—The interaction of suspended solids in a liquid can becharacterized by the term “Wetting”. It is the spreading of a liquidover individual solid's surface and the penetration of a liquid into aporous, suspended solid. In many cases, the liquid spreading overindividual suspended particles will have a cohesive attraction to theparticle. The measurement of adsorption at the liquid/solid interfaceand entrained air adds to the viscosity of the slurry. The chemicalcomposition of drilling fluids create a cohesive bond between the liquidphases and the suspended solids. Breaking the bond between the liquidand suspended solids will reduce the surface tension of the liquid andrelease any entrained air/gas. The present nozzle design and then thisnozzle being activated by supply pressure, features a novel design innon-circular nozzle orientation which initiates the SHURE process and“relaxes” this mentioned ‘Bond’.

SECOND—The process of bubble generation, and the subsequent growth andcollapse of the cavitation bubbles, results in very high energydensities and in very high local temperatures and local pressures at thesurface of the bubbles for a very short time. The overall liquid mediumenvironment, therefore, remains at ambient conditions. Whenuncontrolled, cavitation is damaging. However, by controlling the flowof the cavitation, the power can be harnessed and non-destructive.Controlled cavitation can be used to enhance chemical reactions orpropagate certain unexpected reactions because free radicals aregenerated in the process due to disassociation of vapors trapped in thecavitating bubbles. Cavitation is the formation of empty cavities in aliquid, followed by their immediate and sudden implosion producing ashock wave. It usually occurs when a liquid is subjected to rapidchanges of pressure that cause the formation of cavities in the liquidwhere the pressure is relatively low. When subjected to higher pressure,the voids implode and can generate an intense shock wave.

Turning to FIG. 3, one schematic embodiment (which can be bilaterallysymmetrical) of the present process is shown. This scaled down versionis for ease of access for testing. The SHURE process itself is shown inthe present scaled down version. As shown, opposing nozzles fire into apressure drop chamber. In one embodiment, A can be about 30.2″ [768 mm],B is 15.1″ [383 mm], and C is 28.6″ [726 mm] in a top view at scale 1/8.According, the system may be scaled up to predetermined sizes as needed.

As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of nozzles 5 of various sizes (e.g., one halfto one-inch) to create back pressure. The nozzles are fed via, forexample high pressure piping 1 and 4. Many configurations of piping 1and 4 are possible within the present embodiments. The embodiment shownis exemplary. Piping 1 and 4 configurations allow for the fluidtraveling in the high pressure piping to collide against each otherafter passing through nozzles 5 within a pressure drop chamber 3.Natural cavitation formed from the high to low pressure relaxes theemulsion in the chamber 3. By facing (opposing) the nozzles together thesurface tension on the solids is released within the fluid.

In short the processes relax the emulsion by reducing the electricalstability of the emulsion allowing access to previously inaccessible lowgravity solids. Activating nozzle with high pressure begins process byreducing the surface tension on the solids due to collision force whichoccurs in the pressure drop chamber. As the fluid enters the chamber 3it relaxes the emulsion where cavitation naturally occurs due to thepressure. The present processes relaxes the electrical stability (ES),from which the LGS (ultra-fines) falls out of solution, up to 50% morethan known in the prior art.

One of the key features of the Present Embodiments is opposing (facingthe output) of the two high nozzles to each so the output streams crossat a predetermined point based on the fluid and other variable thatexist in the field. For example the angle of the streams from thenozzles may be from 0 (directly facing each other) up to almost 180degrees (almost at right angles, preferably at about (30 to 170degrees). As described herein the collision of the LGS laden fluidsoccurs in the reduced pressure chamber.

SUMMARY OF THE TWO FORCES—The reason for the drilling fluid to passfirst through the present opposing force/collision mixer is to separatethe bond with the surface tension of the emulsion on the solidsparticle. This is done by the force created by the opposingforce/collision mixer design. Once the surface tension has been relaxed,the effects from Hydrodynamic Cavitation in the reduced pressure chamberwith the formation, growth and implosive collapse of developing vaporbubbles in a liquid, created by a fluctuation in fluid pressure. Thehydrodynamic process generating the formation, intensity of implosionand speed of collapse can be controlled through feed pressure to producethe necessary energy dissipation levels (i.e., ‘Controlled Cavitation’).In the application of cavitation dispersion for finely dispersedemulsions approximately 92.4 ft/sec. or 40 PSI is adequate in manyapplications. It is noted though that depending on the application andcomposition of the fluid can be between 10 to 200 ft/sec or 10 to 100PSI.

Once the opposing force/collision forces have been applied to the fluidand the separation of the hydrocarbons from the drilled solids has beenaccomplished, it is imperative to maintain this separation long enoughto remove the LGS while the bond has been broken. This LGS removal canbe accomplish by immediately sending the SHURE processed fluid to amechanical separator (cones, centrifuge, filter press, dewatering unitsas mentioned prior).

It is preferable for the present processes to receive the drilling fluidfrom the drilling rig only after it has been cleaned by the rigs'conventional rig solids removal equipment. This semi-cleaned drillingfluid can then be slip streamed from the rigs low pressure line from theactive pit system and run it first, through our opposingforce/collision. The opposing force/collision device (or Mixer) is amixing device that will assure maximum Electrical Stability (ES). Whenthe drilling fluid passes through the opposing Cavitation Mixing Nozzlesand collapse in the mixing chamber due to the sudden reduction inpressure, the forming vapor bubbles implode, generating dynamic shearand fine particle dispersion. Several competing technologies exist tothe opposing force/collision mixer.

Once the opposing force/collision forces have been applied to the fluidand the separation of the hydrocarbons from the drilled solids has beenaccomplished, it is imperative to maintain this separation long enoughto remove the LGS while the bond has been broken. We accomplish this LGSremoval by immediately sending the opposing force/collision fluid to ahydro-cyclone manifold using 2″ hydro-cyclones capable of removal downto the 4 micron range.

As with ‘low’ gravity solids, there may also be a need to remove ‘high’gravity solids which are present sometimes in the form of barite whichis an intended weight build up material. If this product is present, ittoo will exit hydro-cyclones. Operators will want to retain their bariteso we have mechanisms in place to keep the barite but discard the lowgravity solids.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

While the embodiments have been described in conjunction with specificembodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications andvariations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of theforegoing description. Accordingly, the present embodiments attempt toembrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Throughout thisspecification and the drawings and figures associated with thisspecification, numerical labels of previously shown or discussedfeatures may be reused in another drawing figure to indicate similarfeatures.

I claim:
 1. A process to create access to low gravity solids (LGS) inthe range of about 2 to 20 microns for mechanical removal from a fluidmaterial and LGS emulsion, comprising the steps of: flowing the emulsioninto high pressure tubing; separating the emulsion into at least twohigh pressure streams; forcing the emulsion through high pressurenozzles at a terminus of each of the at least two high pressure tubingstreams at a speed in the range of about 10 ft/sec to 200 ft/sec or at aforce in a range of about 10 to 100 PSI; and colliding the streams ofemulsion exiting the high pressure nozzle within a pressure dropchamber, wherein the pressure drop is in a range of about 5% to 50% ofthe back pressure of the nozzles; wherein a cavitation effect isrealized from a collision force of the high pressure streams within thepressure drop chamber having enough force to relax the emulsion whichholds the fluid and LGS together, whereby access for removal of the LGSby mechanical means is allowed.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein theemulsion is separated into two high pressure streams.
 3. The process ofclaim 1, wherein the high pressure emulsion streams collide in thepressure drop chamber with enough force to relax the surface tension ofthe emulsion on the LGS.
 4. The process of claim 1, wherein the highpressure tubing streams at a speed of about 92.4 ft/sec. or at apressure of about 40 PSI.
 5. The process of claim 3, wherein the speedand pressure of the emulsion is configured to relax the surface tensionof the emulsion on LGS particles down to about 4 microns, and not lower.6. The process of claim 1, wherein the colliding the streams of emulsionexiting the high pressure nozzle collide at an angle in a range of 0 toup to, but not including, 180 degrees.
 7. The process of claim 6,wherein the emulsion stream collision angle is in a range of about 30 to170 degrees.
 8. The process of claim 6, wherein the emulsion streamcollision angle is in a range of about 30 to 90 degrees.
 9. The processof claim 5, further comprising the step of removing the LGS from therelaxed fluid by a mechanical device selected from the group consistingof shale shakers, hydro-cyclones from 4″ up to 12″, centrifuges, filterpresses, and combinations thereof.
 10. A device to reduce surfacetension of a fluid emulsion having low gravity solids (LGS) in the rangeof about 2 to 20 microns to allow mechanical removal of the LGS from thefluid, comprising: high pressure tubing to receive the emulsion; thehigh pressure tubing splitting to into at least two separate pipingstreams, wherein the emulsion is separated into at least two streams;high pressure nozzles at a terminus of each of the at least two separatepiping streams; a device to apply pressure to the emulsion streamswithin the at least two separate piping streams to provide an emulsionspeed in the range of about 10 ft/sec to 200 ft/sec or at a force in arange of about 10 to 100 PSI of the emulsion while exiting the highpressure nozzle; the high pressure nozzles configured to collide theexiting emulsion streams from the high pressure nozzle within a pressuredrop chamber having a pressure drop in a range of about 5% to 50% of aback pressure of the high pressure nozzles; wherein a cavitation effectis realized from a collision force of the high pressure emulsion streamswithin the pressure drop chamber having enough force to relax theemulsion which holds the fluid and LGS together, whereby access forremoval of the LGS by mechanical means is allowed.
 11. The device ofclaim 10, wherein the emulsion is separated into two separate pipingstreams.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein the exiting emulsionstreams collide in the pressure drop chamber with enough force to relaxthe surface tension of the emulsion on the LGS.
 13. The device of claim10, wherein the device to apply pressure to the emulsion streams withinthe at least two separate piping streams is configured to provide anemulsion speed of about 92.4 ft/sec or at a force of about 40 PSI of theemulsion while exiting the high pressure nozzle.
 14. The device of claim12, wherein the speed and pressure of the emulsion is configured torelax the surface tension of the emulsion on LGS particles down to about4 microns, and not lower.
 15. The device of claim 10, wherein thecolliding the streams of emulsion exiting the high pressure nozzle areconfigured to collide at an angle in a range of 0 to up to, but notincluding, 180 degrees.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the emulsionstream collision angle is in a range of about 30 to 170 degrees.
 17. Thedevice of claim 15, wherein the emulsion stream collision angle is in arange of about 30 to 90 degrees.
 18. The device of claim 14, furthercomprising a device to mechanically remove the LGS from the relaxedfluid selected from the group consisting of shale shakers,hydro-cyclones from 4″ up to 12″, centrifuges, filter presses, andcombinations thereof.